K-State students awarded the 2023-2024 Henry C. Gardiner Scholarship are
(left to right):
Clay Pelton, Rebecca Donaldson, Audrey Tarochione, Kristen Kahler, Taylor Dieball and Ava Perrier
2023-2024 Henry C. Gardiner Scholarship Recipients Announced
February 15, 2023
Since 2012, the Henry C. Gardiner scholarship application process creates an environment for qualified students to compete for elite undergraduate scholarships. Thirty-one students applied for the 2023-2024 Henry C. Gardiner scholarships. Their interests and future goals illustrate the diversity and attainable opportunities in animal science, production agriculture and the beef industry complex. Henry C. Gardiner Scholarships for the 2023-2024 school year have been awarded to Taylor Dieball, Little River, Kansas; Rebecca Donaldson, Berryton, Kansas; Kristen Kahler, Basehor, Kansas; Clay Pelton, Paradise, Kansas; Ava Perrier, Eureka, Kansas; and Audrey Tarochione, London Mills, Illinois.
A panel of of K-State faculty and industry leaders review the applications. Finalists compete in a rigorous interview. Academic standing, community service, work ethic, communication skills and future goals are considered. The students are academically elite undergraduates enrolled at K-State and plan to continue careers in agriculture.
When asked to comment on the Henry C. Gardiner scholarship process, Mark Gardiner said, “The challenge for Dad’s generation, my generation, and future generations, is to do all we can to support and incentivize the next generation of decision makers, making it possible to sustain careers as young industry professionals. Agriculture and related industries contribute more than 5% of America’s GDP and account for more than 21 million jobs, 10.5% of the total U.S. employment. Our future depends on the curiosity of each generation to create new technology, improve efficiencies, and embrace environmental challenges with scientific solutions. Henry was adamant that students should have the opportunities to succeed. The six recipients of the Henry C. Gardiner scholarships are examples of the curiosity and academic excellence Dad would have appreciated.”
The Henry C. Gardiner Scholarship is made possible through the generous contributions of Gardiner customers, friends and family continuing the legacy of Henry Gardiner. To date, 48 undergraduate students have received $220,500 in scholarships.
Students classified as a rising-junior, junior or senior, either enrolled in or planning to enroll at Kansas State University with a major in Animal Science and Industry or closely related field may apply. Scholarships are awarded annually to students meeting rigorous criteria and exhibiting a commitment to focus on improving the beef industry and food animal production.
Gardiner Angus Ranch is a family-owned ranching operation that produces registered and commercial Angus cattle. The original ranch was homesteaded near Ashland, Kansas, in 1885 by Henry Gardiner’s grandfather. Today, the ranch encompasses more than 48,000 acres. The Gardiner operation sells approximately 2,500 bulls and 2,000 registered and commercial females each year. One hundred percent of the sale offering each year is the result of artificial insemination or embryo transfer.
Gardiner Angus Ranch is a founding member of U.S. Premium Beef, the producer-owned limited liability corporation with minority ownership in National Beef, the nation’s fourth largest beef processing company. By providing access to a proven value-added processing system through GAR delivery rights, Gardiner Angus Ranch customers have received more than $12.06 million in premiums and dividends.